Greetings MBSLynne (and son)

I empathise with your son completely.

"My son plays oboe and needs to be shown that oboe will fit into a folk context."

IMHO (and with a bit of practice), the oboe can work well in any musical genre. The oboe, versatile as it is, has always been pigeonholed with certain types of music. As much as I love the music typically associated with the oboe, I found myself being constrained (especially at college) by other people's perceptions of what I should be doing!

Amongst other things, I have been in a jazz band (as the only oboist) and a really weird free-style contemporary improvisation group. Folk music in particular, seems to lend itself well with the dark and mellifluous sound of the oboe - I am nonplussed that there aren't more of us around.

I was reared on a diverse mix of music, including folk music of the 60's and 70's revival era. My first (and to be fair only) folk-oboe influence was Sue Harris of early Albion Country Band fame. I recall a workshop she ran (some years back) at Towersey Folk Festival, and the surprise when I walked into a room full of oboists (now there's a thought)!

"My son loves the idea of joining in sessions but because oboes are fairly loud instruments, he's a bit bothered about going wrong, not knowing the tunes properly etc."

It took me a while to pluck up the courage to join a session. Sessions are a great way of learning tunes and building up stamina. If you drop out in the middle then there should be others to cover you. I try and use a reed that blends well (rather than sticking out like a saw thumb!). Sessions are great for practicing dynamic control, and I have got used to cutting my volume by half (to the relief of many). Some sessions are so packed that it is a job trying to play loud enough to be heard! Find the sort of session that is encouraging and welcoming. Don't worry if you are not always note perfect – go for it (and remember, when the going gets tough, at least you are not playing the banjo!!)

Best of luck
Jude x